ICU: Finding the best way to care

Nursing is a daunting task for many of us, even when we have time under our belt. Call bells, charting, phones ringing, family members needing time and reassurance, doctors returning calls; and then there is the patient, if you have time.

At least, that's how it seems.

Multiply that by 8, 10, sometimes 12 patients, and it is unbelievable that we have decided to carry the responsibility for so many lives. What if we miss something? What if we give the wrong med, or fail to get scheduled treatments done? What if there is some critical lab value, or some assessment detail, that we overlooked?

Enter critical care. Read More

Telemetry to ICU.... To stay or not...

I have been working on a 33 bed telemetry unit for a little more than a year. Recently I became the charge nurse of my night shift crew. I have found that I am starting to get worn down. The other night I started off with 3 patients and got 3 admits only three hours into the evening. I called my unit director and the supervisor begging for some help, and the only response I got was, "Look at the matrix and see what it says."

The whole point of this is to give you a picture of what I am dealing with. I love my job. I love what I do. But am I justified in feeling that putting a 1 year old nurse in charge then sticking her with 6 very sick patients (sometimes 7!) is wrong? Or am I not cut out for this? Read More

Nurses working on day off...

What do you do? Do you pick up the phone when your work calls on your day off or do you leave it go to the answer machine? Read More

Waiting to hear back is so sad to do!

You have always been a wonderful forum for me throughout my nursing journey, from nursing school to taking the NCLEX, and now looking for a job. I had a great interview on Monday and I thought it went so good. They were going to interview others on Wednesday. My interview lasted almost 45 min. They asked me so many questions. Then in the end they asked about my personal life. The manager said she would get back to me by the end of the week. She said HR will notify those that didnt get hired. I was professional,had questions, knew about the organization, smiled, was very enthusiastic because I am excited. My questions is what takes so long in getting back to the applicants? Don't they know who they want to hire once interviews are over? IF so then why dont managers call you back right away? Does anyone have any advice because Im so worried. I know its only been three days but I just wish I knew. Read More

Books/references for new MICU RN

I am a new RN in the MICU @ a huge hospital. I'm a little intimidated and nervous and keeping up on my education always helps. Does anyone have any good suggestions for a critical care handbook I can keep by my computer for reference? And a book I can maybe have to do more detailed review? Your input would be greatly appreciated! Read More

I am the only nurse getting high blood glucose numbers

I am a 48yr old new nurse...hired by a LTC that I like. I DO KNOW HOW to take blood glucose ... so that is NOT the problem. I am 2nd shift and have a pt who has DR order to call him if BS is above 400. I do accu-check before supper around, say 430pm. The last three times I have worked, and done the check, I have gotten counts OFF THE charts..in high 400's and once even not countable on the monitor. Protocol is to call Dr. and family...administer as prescribed...chart, recheck in two hours...chart...and fill out lots of paperwork. When I called the Dr second time he seemed surprised. The family asked if "what are you feeding him". I even recheck when they are that high. I think the nurses that I work with are accountable and professional...but why am I the only one to get high counts... Read More

Anxiety Disorders: More Than Just Butterflies

Almost everyone has experienced it: the sensation of butterflies in your stomach as you prepare for a presentation or an appearance in traffic court. The dry mouth that makes you feel like you're spitting cotton. The rapid heart rate and slight shortness of breath that characterize a normal response to stressful stimuli. In other words, you're feeling anxious.

Now imagine those sensations writ large. Instead of butterflies, you feel nausea and may even vomit or experience diarrhea. Your hands tremble visibly and your voice shakes whenever you try to speak. Your heart pounds; you break out in a cold sweat; your throat closes up. And worst of all, you have the horrid suspicion that if you don't run away from the situation, you just might have a heart attack and die. Read More

Nurses week gifts from employer

I was just wondering what your ER management did for you for nurses week? Gifts,money, lunches!? Well my ER gave us a big fat NOTHING!! Management said "there is ER nurses week so we r not celebrating nurses week". Oh and week got a crappy coffee mug last year for er nurses week! Read More

No cardioversion due to risk of embolism?

My question is: have you ever not performed a cardioversion due to risk of a clot? I mean, we tried 3 different meds with limited success. No place else to go than cardioversion. I was upset we didn't cardiovert right off the bat. Read More!

Advice to the Younger Nurse Me

"This is what reality shock feels like," I thought to myself as I stared at the little confused old man sitting on the edge of his bed, covered in blood from the IV that he just pulled out. It was quarter to eleven at night and I still had two more people who needed medications, foley catheters to empty, charting to finish, and now, another IV to start with an antibiotic to hang before my shift was technically 'over' at eleven.

As I stared at the mess that I was going to have to clean up, as that poor man held his blood covered hands up at me while saying "It's sticky" I felt a feeling that I have felt before. Read More...

Happy Birthday to the World's Most Famous Nurse

Nursing has certainly come a long way since the time of Florence Nightingale. We should not forget the courage and perseverance of the Lady with the Lamp who remains the most famous nurse in history. This inspirational figure helped to transform nursing into the highly respected profession it is today. Read More

PMHNP programs all going from MSN to DNP?

FIU's PMHNP program recently came off moratorium for their PMHNP program--however, they apparently are changing from a master's degree program in 2013 to a BSN-DNP program in 2014! Is this the "norm" for other PMHNP programs? I have my heart set on becoming a psych NP (I'm about to graduate from ADN school) but the thought of additional expense and schooling to get a doctorate for this is a little disheartening. Anyone have any input on if this is the norm across the board for things to come? Read More